Shaping the Social Networks of School Districts: Changes Over Time and the Role of the District Leader

• In Event: Networks and Improvement Communities

Abstract

This study aims to develop a better understanding of the social capital of school districts by describing changes over time in the structure and the content of relationships among district administrators. Using a mixed methods case study design with two measurements (2016 and 2018), quantitative data were collected with a survey among 30 administrators from 2 Dutch school districts for secondary education. Qualitative data were collected through a member check. The results include a visualization of social networks. Results suggest that the patterns of relations within the social networks of school districts change over time, and appear to depend not only on the history and context of the district, but also on deliberate interventions of district leaders on this matter.

Authors

• Margriet van der sluis, TIAS Tilburg University

• Edith H. Hooge, Tilburg University The Netherlands